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Editorial Content for The Memory of Light

Book

The Memory of Light

Contributors

Maggie L.

Reviewer (text)

Maggie L., Teen Board member.

In THE MEMORY OF LIGHT by Francisco X. Stork, Vicky's reached rock bottom and she realizes she has two choices: give up or start the journey to recovery. She's already tried to give up once, in her attempted suicide, but was found and taken to the hospital before the pills could reach their full effect.

Her dad thinks wants Vicky to return to her daily life, but Vicky and her doctor, Dr. Desai, convince him to let her stay at the hospital for a couple of weeks. With the daily Group Therapy Healing, she meets Mona, Gabriel and E.M., all with unique situations just as dire as hers. They help each other learn many new things, and Vicky looks deeper into herself than she ever has and discovers things that will eventually help make her depression more manageable.

A heartfelt, realistic novel that gives the reader a close look at what it's really like to live with a mental disorder.

While piecing her own life back together, Vicky also manages to impact the lives of her new friends in a way that may end up saving them. When she leaves the hospital, she meets new obstacles: finding the courage to live despite her depression and facing her father's misunderstanding. 

THE MEMORY OF LIGHT is a heartfelt, realistic novel that gives the reader a close look at what it's really like to live with a mental disorder. Recovery is not a pleasant process, and this book captures it perfectly. The characters experience moments of introspection that will make you reflect upon yourself as well, and it's likely you'll learn something new. The variety of personalities and situations provided in the hospital setting mimics the wide range of struggles people encounter in real life. This novel enlightens readers on the very real battle of living with a mental disorder. THE MEMORY OF LIGHT was an emotional, enjoyable read that everyone can take something valuable away from.

Teaser

 

When Vicky Cruz wakes up in the Lakeview Hospital Mental Disorders ward, she knows one thing: She can't even commit suicide right. But for once, a mistake works out well for her, as she meets Mona, the live wire; Gabriel, the saint; E.M., always angry; and Dr. Desai, a quiet force. With stories and honesty, kindness and hard work, they push her to reconsider her life before Lakeview, and offer her an acceptance she's never had.

Promo

When Vicky Cruz wakes up in the Lakeview Hospital Mental Disorders ward, she knows one thing: She can't even commit suicide right. But for once, a mistake works out well for her, as she meets Mona, the live wire; Gabriel, the saint; E.M., always angry; and Dr. Desai, a quiet force. With stories and honesty, kindness and hard work, they push her to reconsider her life before Lakeview, and offer her an acceptance she's never had.
 
But Vicky's newfound peace is as fragile as the roses that grow around the hospital. And when a crisis forces the group to split up, sending her back to the life that drove her to suicide, Vicky must try to find the strength to carry on. She may not have it. She doesn't know.

About the Book

When Vicky Cruz wakes up in the Lakeview Hospital Mental Disorders ward, she knows one thing: She can't even commit suicide right. But for once, a mistake works out well for her, as she meets Mona, the live wire; Gabriel, the saint; E.M., always angry; and Dr. Desai, a quiet force. With stories and honesty, kindness and hard work, they push her to reconsider her life before Lakeview, and offer her an acceptance she's never had.
 
But Vicky's newfound peace is as fragile as the roses that grow around the hospital. And when a crisis forces the group to split up, sending her back to the life that drove her to suicide, Vicky must try to find the strength to carry on. She may not have it. She doesn't know.
 
Inspired in part by the author's own experience with depression, THE MEMORY OF LIGHT is the rare young adult novel that focuses not on the events leading up to a suicide attempt, but the recovery from one --- about living when life doesn't seem worth it, and how we go on anyway